Evangeline Pesigan

With an original approach and a mission to think differently about everyday objects, EMP DESIGN was founded by Evangeline Pesigan, a London-based Interior and Furniture Designer, whose unique aesthetic has earned her international acclaim. 

Born in Manila in 1982, Pesigan studied Management and Communications at the De La Salle University in the Philippines before moving to New York where she continued her studies, graduating with distinction in 2007 with an Associate Degree in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design and the New York School of Interior Design. Pesigan worked as an interior designer, working on an extensive range of both commercial and residential projects before establishing her own design studio in 2013, EMP Design, through which she stretched her work to encompass event design. After gaining a strong interest in spatial planning, Pesigan was motivated to explore a new direction while completing a Master’s degree in furniture, ceramics, and jewelry at Central Saint Martins in London.

Focusing on the connection between the designer and craftspeople, Pesigan merges disciplines across different industries to form creative partnerships, resulting in unique pieces that combine starkly modern silhouettes with traditional materials and methods. Inspired by material experimentation and cultural ideas, her designs balance modern innovation with reassuringly familiar references. The designer endeavors to stretch the boundary between contemporary design and time-tested craft, lending new interpretations to the possibility of design and notions of sustainability.

One of Pesigan’s most notable designs is the Tirintas lounge chair, for which she received the A’Design Award in 2016. Combining twisted wood veneer and a structured metal frame, this design exemplifies the designer’s adeptness in fusing artisanal skills with a modern approach to create something truly unique. Pesigan’s studio’s design collections have been shown across the world in various museums, galleries and fairs, including Mint Gallery, Lethaby Gallery, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Cube Design Museum in Holland, London Design Festival, Bologna Design Week, Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing in Mumbai, Shenzhen industrial Design Fair, Maison&Objet Paris, and Salone del Mobile Milan. 

Undoubtedly, a piece by this designer is a piece of modern history - inspired by the contemporary multicultural global landscape, showcasing and conserving traditional craftsmanship skills within a striking, future-proof frame. Anchored in the past but stretched out to a place beyond the present collective consciousness, Pesigan#s designs provide both a source of comfort and inspiring reflection.